Preselective transmission control



Jan. 1, 1952 G. T. RANDOL PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5, 1944 Jan. 1, 1952 RANDOL 2,581,291

PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL Filed Aug. 5, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I5 7 f6 i & vg; vii

G. T. RANDOL PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL 6 Sheets-Sheet I5 H 7'ToEMEy Jan. 1, 1952 Filed Aug. 5, 1944 a n a w a a w & g a: A 7 5 W1 f 6V 3 W M a a Z 5 "75 5 Jan. 1, 1952 G. T. RANDOL PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 5, 1944 41- 1-02 NEK 1952 G. T. RANDOL 2,581,291

PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL Filed Aug. 5, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 1, 1952 G. "r. RANDOL 2,581,291

PRESELECTIVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL Filed Aug. 5, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 GLENN 7T Eli/V001.

Patented Jan. 1, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 34 Claims.

This invention relates to transmission control in automotive vehicles, and particularly to that type 01 control in which preselection of the desired transmission speed drive is effected unrestrictively by a manually-controlled selector lever preferably located adjacent to the steering wheel.

Among the important objects of the invention is to produce an improved control mechanism for a change-speed gearing which will enable the operator to manually establish and neutralize certain gear ratios and preselect certain other power establishable gear ratios by means of a single control member.

An object related to that last stated is to provide an improved control mechanism for a change-speed gearing in which is embodied a motor-power device for performing certain preselected shifting operations, said motor device being controlled by valve means movable to two motor operating positions by restricted manipulation of a personally controlled member.

A more specific object related to the object immediately preceding is to adapt the aforementioned valve structure to control application of engine-vacuum to a speed changing servomotor of the vacuum-operated type, and for venting said servomotor to the atmosphere by minute successiv movements of an automotive engine accelerator substantially within its engine idling control range.

More broadly, the control mechanism of the present invention is applicable to any desired type of change-speed power-train or drive mechanism, so that a more general object of this invention resides in the provision of an improved control means for utilizing a conventional throttle-controlling accelerator to control motor-power speed transitions in either upor down-shifting, while at the same time most emcient and continuous use of high speed drive is obtained. Thus, power transition is caused, not by accelerator release as has been taught in the art, but rather by accelerator depression prior to engine operation to cause substantial vehicular acceleration. In this manner a speed drive may be activated before any substantial torque-load is imposed upon the vehicular driving components.

Still another object is to provide, in a fluidpressure operated gearing control mechanism, means for operating a control valve for said fluid- 'pressure gear control by varying a fluid pressure eflectlve on one side of a perforated movable member associated therewith.

A still further object is to provide an improved shut-oi! valve for embodying in a power-operated gear ratio changing mechanism, in such manner that said valve can be opened when a controlling element is moved to a predetermined position; but cannot be moved toward closed condition until the controlling element is moved back to a predetermined different position nearer the starting point thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved motor-power operated control mechanism for changing the gear ratios of an automotive vehicle gearing in which is embodied selecting means operable to select a gear ratio either prior to or following disengagement of the engine friction clutch, and wherein the gear ratios may be changed at will by the controlling of said power means and without the necessity of reengaging and disengaging the clutch for each gear ratio change.

A further specific object is to provide improved and simplified means for preselecting the gear ratios of a motor vehicle change-speed gearing.

A further object is to provide an improved preselective power-operated control mechanism for a change speed gearing whereby an operator can change gear ratios more silently and rapidly over a much wider range of vehicular speeds than by conventional manually-operated shifting mechanisms.

A further and basically novel object of the invention is to provide improved control mechanism for an automotive vehicle change-speed gearing and an associated friction clutch which will bring the vehicle substantially to a standstill accompanied by clutch disengagement without disturbing the active speed of the changespeed gearing despite the preselection of a different speed.

An important object related to that last stated is to provide improved control means for an automotive change-speed gearing and associated friction clutch wherein a manually-operatednnemher is employed as a selecting means for determining the speed to be established, and a predetermined depressing movement of the accelerator pedal from its fully released engine idling position being required to cause the selected speed to become established.

A further important object of the invention is to provide improved control means for a changespeed transmission wherein releasing movement of the accelerator pedal from any depressed position thereof is ineflective to cause a change in the effective speed drive of the transmission.

An important object related to that last stated is to provide in change-speed gearing control,

3 means whereby a shift from a higher speed to a lower speed, or vice versa, can be inaugurated at will by a predetermined depression 01 the accelerator pedal prior to opening the engine throttle in an accelerating direction from its engine idling position.

Another important object is to provide selective gearing changing made eflective by depressing movements of the accelerator pedal mechanism prior to its normal engine operating range or movement.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved change-speed gearing and associated friction clutch control wherein two dlflerent forward speed drives may be made selectively eflective at will by control mechanism actuated by depressing or accelerating movements of the accelerator pedal from a fully released position through an engine idling range, and upon bringing the car to a stop with the foot removed irom the accelerator pedal. the effective speed drive will not be disturbed. and wherein a downshiit from the higher speed to the lower speed drive is obtained upon depression oi. the pedal prior to accelerating the engine.

Another important object or the invention is to provide improved transmission gearing control wherein the speed eflective at the time of fully releasing the accelerator pedal to normal engine idling position will continue effective until the accelerator pedal is subsequently depressed at the will of the vehicle operator. and wherein said depressing movement of the pedal will cause the effective speed to be rendered ineii'ective and a new speed to be rendered effective according to selective control means. whether the new speed be a higher or lower speed than the prior effective speed.

Another important object of the invention is to provide improved control means for a changespeed shifting gearing wherein the speed selecting feature of the control means is eiiectuated by direct mechanical connection with a manuallycontrolled member for positive selecting operation. and wherein the speed selective operative positions oi. the aforesaid member for producing a shift are made eflective by a movement of the accelerator pedal from its fully released engine idling position.

Another important object is to provide improved change-speed gearing control wherein an active speed will not be disturbed upon release of the accelerator mechanism from an open throttle position to an engine idling position notwithstanding a new speed may have been selected.

A further salient object of the invention is to provide improved change-speed gear and friction clutch control wherein the actuating movement otthe control means therefor to either of its two operative positions is accomplished by a unidirectional movement 01' the accelerator pedal from a common predetermined normal position.

Another important object or the invention is to provide an improved accelerator actuated control for a change-speed gearing wherein a shift from a higher speed may be made while the vehicle is substantially at a standstill by a de pressing movement of the accelerator pedal prior to accelerating the engine from idling speed condition so that maximum use of the economical higher speed is available throughout the entire engine accelerating range with resultant nonclash shifting to a lower speed upon depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate or start the vehicle.

Another important object 0! the invention is to provide an improved control for a changespeed gearing and associated with a iriction clutch wherein unidirectional depressing movements of the accelerator pedal from its fully released engine idling position or beyond will cause shifting of the change-speed gearing from a lower speed to a higher speed, or vice versa, upon disengaging the said clutch.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. showing. by way of example, a vehicle changespeed gearing controlled by a mechanism embodying the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a portion of a motor vehicle showing the improved control mechanism associated with the engine, its accelerator mechanism, the vehicle iriction clutch and the change-speed gearing, the parts being shown in positions corresponding to neutral condition of the gearing, accelerator pedal released and clutch engaged;

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the gearing casing. said view being taken on approximately the line 2-2 oi Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the parts of the control mechanism carried by the gearing casing cover, the parts being in neutral position with same being shown in section;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the parts in the positions assumed when second or intermediate gear ratio is established;

Figure 5 is another view similar to Figure 3 but showing the parts in the positions assumed when high gear ratio is established;

Figure 6 is a view showing the position 0! some of the parts when reverse and low speed ratio are established;

Figures '7, 8. 9 and 10 are sectional views taken on the lines 'l|. 8-8, 89 and IB-lfl, respectively, of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the fluid-pressure power device and associated control valve means:

Figure 12 is a sectional view similar to Figure 11 but showing the parts in another position assumed when a gear ratio is established by the fluid-pressure motor;

Figure 13 is a side view of the shift-motor valve means;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on the line H-ll oi Figure 13 and showing the valve parts in positions assumed when the gearing is in neutral and the accelerator mechanism is fully released;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 but showing the other positions of the accelerator controlled valve parts;

Figure 16 is a sectional view of the shut-o! valve similar to the showing thereof in Figure 3 but with the valve in open position;

Figure 17 is a view of the clutch pedal controlled valve with the cover removed. the parts being shown in valve closed position;

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 but showing the valve in the open position assumed when the clutch pedal is fully depressed to dis engage the engine clutch;

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on the lines Il-il of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a perspective exploded view of parts of the clutch pedal controlled valve;

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the accelerator pedal controlled valve, said valve being in closed position;

Figure 22 is a sectional view similar to Figure 21 but showing the valve in open position;

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the control mechanism parts carried by the gearing casing cover;

Figure 24 is a side view of the two selecting sleeves showing particularly the recesses for selectively coupling the second and high speed shifter fork to the sleeves;

Figure 25 is a view taken on the line 24-24 of Figure 1 showing the parts mounted on the lower portion of the steering column; and

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the gearshifting lever and associated speed selection indicator mounted adjacent to the steering wheel.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and first to Figure 1, there is disclosed a typical drive assembly for a motor vehicle comprising an internal-combustion engine I, a friction clutch 2, and a change-speed gearing 3 for transmitting power from the engine to the propeller shaft 4, which shaft is connected through the usual differential gearing to the rear driving wheels of the vehicle. The friction clutch (not shown in detail) is enclosed within a housing 5 interposed between the engine i and the gearing housing 5. This clutch is actuated by a clutch shaft 1 extending across and journaled in the bell-shaped forward portion of the gearing housing. The outer end of the shaft has secured thereto a control member shown by way of example as a clutch pedal 8 which extends through the floor 9 of the vehicle into the operator's compartment for ready operation by the vehicle operator. The clutch pedal has an integral downwardly extending arm Ill upon which acts a spring ll normally biasing the clutch pedal toward clutch engaged position, which position is shown in Figure 1.

The vehicular power train thus comprises a prime mover, such as the illustrated internalcombustion engine; a torque transmitting coupling, such as the illustrated friction clutch; a change-speed device. such as the illustrated sliding gear transmission; a propeller shaft; a differential gearing; and a driving connection to the vehicular driving wheels. More specifically, the change-speed device itself may be referred to as a "power train since the vehicular driving power is transmitted therethrough by means of a gear train or the like.

A change-speed gearing or power train with which this novel control mechanism may be associated is shown, by way of example in Figure 2. This gearing has a driving shaft 12 splined to the driven element of friction clutch and is journaled in the forward end wall of the gearing housing. n the inner end of this shaft is a driving gear if having integral clutch teeth l4 projecting from its rear side. The gear i3 is in constant mesh with a gear ii for driving an intermediate or second speed gear iii, a low speed gear l1 and a reverse gear I8, all formed integral with a countershaft sleeve l rotatabiy mounted upon a spindle extending through the gearing housing in a longitudinal direction and parallel to and at one side of the axis of the driving shaft I2. In axial alignment with the driving shaft I2 is a driven shaft 2| which is journaled at its rear end in the rear wall of the gearing housing and at its forward end piloted into the driving shaft II in a manner well known in the art. The intermediate portion of this driven shaft has rotatably mounted thereon an intermediate speed gear 22 and a low speed gear 23. the former constantly meshing with the countershaft gear l6 and the latter with the countershaft gear II to establish, respectively, the intermediate speed drive and the low speed drive. The rear end of the driven shaft has rotatably mounted thereon a reverse gear 24 which constantly meshes with an idler gear 25, said idler gear in turn constantly meshing with the countershaft gear I! to thus produce a reverse speed drive. The intermediate gear 22 is provided with integral clutch teeth 26 on its forward face, and interposed between these clutch teeth and the previously mentioned clutch teeth ll of the driving gear if is a double clutch element 21 which is splined to the driven shaft for sliding movement thereon. The arrangement is such that, when the clutch element is moved forwardly, the driven shaft will be directly clutched to the driving shaft to produce high or direct speed drive; and when the clutch element is moved rearwardly, the intermediate gear 22 will be connected to the driven shaft to produce intermediate or second speed between the driving shaft and driven shaft. The opposed ends of the low speed gear 23 and the reverse gear 24 are provided with integral clutch teeth 28 and 2!, respectively, and selectively cooperating with these teeth is a double clutch element 30 splined to the driven shaft for axial sliding movement thereon. When this clutch element 30 is moved forwardly, the low speed gear 23 will be connected to the driven shaft for low speed; and when the clutch element is moved rearwardly, the reverse gear 24 will be connected to the driven shaft for reverse speed. The double clutch element 21 is controlled by a shifting fork II and the double clutch element 30 is controlled by a shifting fork 32.

The gearing housing is open at one side, and closing this opening is a cover housing, or plate, 33 bolted to the gearing housing 6. The ends of this cover plate adjacent their top portions carry aligned fixed pins 34 and 35 which project into the chamber formed by the cover plate, which is of general rectangular cup-shaped formation. Rotatably mounted on these pins is a cylindrical selecting shaft 36, the forward portion of which is provided with diametrically positioned axially extending slots 31 and 38 and the rear portion is provided with a specially formed cam slot 39 of somewhat S-shape having a straight intermediate portion 40 from which extend in opposite directions the end portions 4| and 42. The rear end of the shaft is arranged to be clutched to a collar 43 journaled on the pin 35 and provided with a beveled gear 44. This beveled gear constantly meshes with a beveled gear segment 45 secured to the inner end of a short shaft 45 journaled in the cover 33. The arrangement of the beveled gears will thus cause rotation of the hollow shaft whenever the shaft 46 is rotated.

Ifhe beveled gear segment 45 is provided with a collar having an arcuate segment in which are formed five notches indicated by the letters R, I, N, H and L, and cooperating with these notches is a spring biased detent 41. The notches and detent yieldably hold the beveled gear segment in any of the live positions to which it is capable of being moved by the shaft 46, said positions corresponding to reverse gear, intermediate or seeond speed, neutral, high speed and low speed conditions or the gearing.

The rear portion of the cylindrical shaft ll immediately adjacent the collar 43 carries a collar I to which is secured the previously mentioned shifting fork II for the double clutch element 30. Carried by the collar is a pin it which extends into and cooperates with the S-shaped cam slot ll. thus providing an arrangement whereby rotation of the shaft II can move the collar 48 and the shifting fork l2 axially on the shaft. The collar 48 is prevented from turnin on the shaft 38 by an integral extension 50 which receives a stationary rod Bl positioned parallel with and below the hollow shaft II. This extension carries a yieldable detent 52 of the ball type which is arranged to cooperate with three notches 53 in the rod, thus yieldably holding the collar ll and the shifting fork 32 in its three different positions; namely, neutral, reverse gear ratio and low gear ratio.

If the shaft II is so rotated that the end portion ll of the cam slot 39 receives the pin 49, reverse speed will be established. If the shaft 38 is rotated so that the end portion 42 of the cam slot 3! receives the pin ll, low speed will be established. When the shaft 36 is positioned so that the pin 49 is medially in the straight portion Ill of the cam slot, the shifting fork will be in its neutral position and neither the reverse speed or the low speed will be established. The straight portion III of the slot is of such length as to accommodate a predetermined amount of free rotation of the shaft 36 prior to any movement of the gear shifting fork 32. This free movement is present to accommodate the control of the preselecting of second and high gear ratios in a manner which will become apparent, the second and high speed ratios being preselected when the shaft 36 is turned to positions wherein the pin is at the ends of the straight portion II of the cam slot.

The shaft 36 is manually rotated from the operator's compartment. This is accomplished by providing the outer end of the shaft 48 with an arm I to which is connected a rod 55 actuated by a steering column mounted control shaft 56, as best shown in Figure l. The lower end of this shaft 55 is Journaled in a bracket 58 secured to the steering column 51, and adjacent this bracket the shaft carries an arm 59 to which the rod 55 is connected (see Figure 25). The upper end of the shaft 56, as best shown in Figure 26, is journaled in an indicator bracket 60 carried by the steering column just below the steering wheel I. The shaft is rotated by a gear-shift handle or lever 62 which extends laterally from the steering column in a plane below the steering wheel. The bracket ill is provided with a slot 83 adjacent to which are the indicia R, I, N, H and L for cooperation with a pointer 6| secured to the shaft 58 and rotatable therewith.

When the gear-shift lever is in a position wherein the pointer 84 is opposite N, the gearing will be in neutral condition. and the detent 41 will be in the N notch of the segment gear 45. When the gear-shift lever is moved so that the pointer is at the R position, which is at one end of the slot 53, the gearing will be placed in reverse speed, since under these conditions the shaft 38 will be so rotated that the pin will enter the end I of the cam slot 39. When the gear-shift lever is moved so that the pointer is opposite L, the shaft 35 will be so moved that the gearing will be placed in low speed, this being brought about by the pin 40 moving into the end I! of the cam slot ll. When the reverse speed and the low speed are established. the detent I! will be in the R. and L notches, respectively. Also, the detent 52 will be in an end notch to aid in yieldably holding the shifting fork in the speed drive positions.

The forward portion of the cylindrical selecting shaft II, in which is provided the opposed sloil l1 and II, carries two selecting sleeves ll and l. (see Figures 23 and 24). The sleeve GI is formed with a finger portion '1. and the sleeve 8. is formed with a finger portion ll. These finger portions are arranged to be in overlapping relation and on opposite sides of the cylindrical shaft. Sleeve ll carries pins ll (see Figures 3 and 4) for cooperation with the slot II in the shaft, thus insuring that the sleeve will be rotated with the shaft and at the same time be free to have relative longitudinal movement. In a similar manner, the sleeve 86 is provided with pins 1' for cooperation with the slot 81 to thus cause the sleeve to rotate with the shaft and yet be free for relative longitudinal movement. A band II on the end of the hollow shaft It prevents the slotted portion of the shaft from becoming deformed and also closes the forward ends of the slots.

The overlapping arrangement of the fingers is such that the finger i1 lies on the top of the shaft 38 and the finger i8 lies on the bottom of the shaft. The edges of these fingers, which are on the side of the shaft toward the gearing, are arranged to be in juxtaposition, as best indicated in Figures 7 and 24. The other edges of the fingers. which lie on the outer side of the shaft 36, are arranged to be in spaced relation, as clearly indicated in Figures 3. 4 and 5. These latter spaced edges are provided with opposed notches, the finger 61 having the notch 12 and the finger 68 having the notch ll. When the sleeves I and 88 are in their innermost positions as accommodated by the relative axial movement between their fingers, the notches l2 and II will be opposite each other (as shown in Figure 3) and in a condition to receive a stationary pin II which is carried by the cover plate (Figures 2 and 7). The purpose of this pin is to mechanically lock the sleeves against longitudinal movement whenever the pin is in either of the slots. The pin, however, only enters the slots when the shaft 1 is rotated to its extreme positions, which are necessary to place the gearing in reverse speed and low speed, as already noted. When the shaft 38 is rotated so that the pin 49 remains in the straight portion 40 of the cam slot, the pin 14 will not enter either of the slots I! or II, and thus the sleeves 55 and 86 will be free to have relative longitudinal movement away from each other under these conditions. Such condition will be present when the gear-shift lever is in the N position or has been moved to either the I or Hpositions.

The sleeve 55 is provided with a semi-annular slot II which receives a pin 16 carried by the upright arm of a bell crank lever 11 pivotally mounted on the cover plate by means of a pin 18. Similarly, the sleeve 86 is provided with a semiannular slot 19 which receives a pin l0 carried by the upright arm of a second bell crank lever 8| secured to the inner end of a shaft 82 journaled in the cover plate. The upper ends of the upright arms of the bell crank levers I1 and iii are formed into laterally projecting circular bosses Il' and II. respectively, for neutralizing the second and'high gear shifting fork II under certain operating conditions in a manner to be described later. The outer end of this shaft 02 carries an actuating arm whereby the shaft and bell crank II may be rotated from the exterior. The bell crank levers I1 and II are connected together so that the bell crank lever II will be rotated simultaneously with the bell crank lever II. This connection is accomplished by an interlocking of the horizontal arms of the aforementioned levers. The connection comprises a rounded end 04 carried by the bell crank lever I1 and an end slot 00 carried by the bell crank lever II. From the arrangement of the bell crank levers and their connection with the sleeves, it is seen that by a rotation of the shaft 02 in a clockwise direction (as seen from the outer side of the cover plate) the sleeves i0 and 00 can be moved away from each other, and by a reverse rotation of the shaft the sleeves can be moved toward each other.

A collar 00 surrounds the selecting sleeves 55 and 06, and secured to this collar is the previously mentioned shifting fork II which controls the movement of the double clutch element 21. The collar 00 is arranged to be selectively connected to the sleeves 60 and 08, and the structure shown to accomplish this comprises a locking pin 01 carried by the collar and backed by a spring 00. The outer end of the locking pin has a rounded nose 00 and flat opposed sides. This end is arranged to cooperate with a recess 00 in the finger 61 or with a recess 9| in the finger 60 (see Figure 24). These recesses have straight side walls so that the flat sides of the locking pin can cooperate therewith and provide a locking arrangement between the collar carrying the shifting fork and the sleeves 65 and 66, depending upon which recess the detent engages. The recesses 90 and 0| are arranged so as to be slightly spaced from the juxtapositioned edges of the fingers, thus providing a surface on the fingers between the two recesses upon which the end of the locking pin can ride. When the pin is between the recesses, neither sleeve 65 nor 60 will be connected with the shifting fork, and the pin 00 will be in the middle of the straight portion 40 of the slot 30 which operates the low and reverse gear shifting fork 32. This condition will prevail when the gear-shift lever is in its neutral position with the pointer 04 opposite the letter N. If the gear-shift lever should be moved so that the pointer is opposite the letter I, then the shaft 36 will be given such a rotation that the locking pin Bl will engage in the recess 9| and thus connect the collar 86 and the gear shifting fork to the sleeve 66 for longitudinal movement therewith. If the gear-shift lever should be moved to the position wherein the pointer is opposite H, then the shaft 38 will be given such a rotation that the locking pin 01 will engage in the recess 00 to connect the collar 06 and the gear shifting fork with the sleeve 65 for longitudinal movement therewith.

The collar 86 has an axially extending slot 02 through which extends the previously mentioned pin II so that the latter will be in a position to cooperate with the circumferential slots 12 and 13 in the fingers 01 and 60, respectively. The collar 08 is held from rotation by being provided with an integral portion 00 which receives the previously mentioned rod This portion 00 carries a spring biased ball detent 0| which cooperates with three recesses 05 in the rod for yieldably holding the collar and shifting fork 3| 10 in the three different positions they can assume; namely, intermediate. high and neutral.

The shaft 02, which is employed to simultaneously rotate the bell crank levers and connected selecting sleeves 00 and 06 toward and away from each other, is arranged to be power-operated, the power means or servo-mechanism employed in the preferred construction that is herein described and illustrated, being a vacuumoperated power cylinder 00 mounted on the exterior of the cover plate and gearing housing. This power cylinder is double acting and, as best shown in Figure 12, comprises a cylinder 01 closed at both ends and having reciprocable therein a piston 00. A piston rod 09 extends through the rear end closure plate I00 of the cylinder and is connected to the previously mentioned arm 00 secured to the outer end of the shaft 02. A suitable bracket IOI supports the forward end of the cylinder from the gearing housing, the same nuts I02, which are employed to connect the gear housing to the clutch housing, being employed.

The end closure plate I00 of the cylinder has secured thereto a housing member I00 having a bore I00 through which the piston rod 00 extends. The housing I00 and the plate I00 are arranged to form a chamber in which is a flexible vacuum-energized diaphragm I05 clamped between the plate I00 and the housing and d1 viding said chamber into two chambers I05 and I01. The inner portion of this diaphragm I05 is operably connected to a sleeve valve element I05 of a distributing valve I00, said element being slidable in the bore I ll of the housing I03 and constructed to be in spaced relation with the piston rod. This sleeve valve element is formed with an annular groove I00 and a connecting longitudinally extending groove I I0. The sleeve also is provided with holes III and H2 extending completely therethrough, said holes being on opposite sides of the groove I00 and circumferentially spaced as shown. The sleeve I00 is acted upon by a spring I I3 within the chamber I01, which biases the sleeve to the position shown in Figure 11.

The housing I00 is formed with three ports III, "I and H0, spaced, for example, apart.

as shown in Figure 14. The port Ill is connected by a pipe II! with the forward end of the power cylinder, the port II 0 is connected by a pipe H0 to the rear end of the servomotor 06, and the port H0 is connected by a pipe II! to a source of pressure which, in this particular embodiment of the invention, is a source of sub-atmospheric pressure or vacuum, and comprises an inlet manifold I50 of the engine with which the gearing and the control mechanism are associated. The annular groove I00 in the valve operation is arranged to cooperate with the port IIS and the port Ill, the groove being opposite the port H5 when the sleeve is in the biased position shown in Figure 11. The groove I00 will be opposite the port I I4 when the sleeve is moved to the right from the position shown in Figure 11 to the position shown in Figure 12. The port H0, which is connected to the source of fluid pressure, will communicate with the groove I00 in both the positions shown in Figures 11 and 12, this being brought about by the longitudinal groove 0. The hole III will be opposite the port Ill when the sleeve is in the position shown in Figure 11, thus connecting the front end of the servo-cylinder with atmosphere by way of the space between the sleeve and the piston rod and the accuser 2 I21 at the right hand side oi the diaphragm, as

viewed in Figure 11. Within the valve chamber is a valve element I22 which'is mounted upon a stem I24. This valve element is arranged to move back and forth in cooperation with seats I22 and I28. When the valve element is engaging the seat I28. as shown in Figure 14, the valve chamber I2I' and the chamber I21 will be placed in communication with the atmosphere through an air filter plug I21 which carries on its inner end the valve seat I22. When the valve element engages this seat I22, the valve chamber I2 I and the chamber I21 will be in communication with the source, of sub-atmospheric pressure. This communication is brought about by way of passages I22 entering the chamber I2I' through the valve seat I26, a chamber I22 and a passage I connecting into the port IIIi (see Figure 14). The chamber I22 is formed by a flexibly sensitive diaphragm I2I clamped to the housing I22 by a cup-shaped cover I22. The diaphragm and the cup-shaped member form a chamber I32 opposite the chamber I22. This chamber I22 is in constant communication with a flexible pipe I24 having a relatively small passage centrally therethrough, the purpose of which will become apparent. As best shown in Figure 15, the chambers I22 and I22 on opposite sides of the diaphragm "I are arranged to have communication with each other by way of a restricted passage I22. The diaphragm I2I is employed to control the operation 01 the valve element I 22 by changing the fluid pressure eflective in the chambers on opposite sides thereof. It the conduit I24 should be closed off from any atmospheric connection, then the fluid pressures in the chambers I22 and I22 on opposite sides of the diaphragm will be equalized due to the connecting passage I25, the pressure being that at port IIB when connected to the source of subatmospheric pressure. Under such conditions, the diaphragm, which has some resiliency, will hold the valve element I22 in the position shown in Figure 14. Under such conditions, the chamber III1 will be connected to atmosphere and the spring H2 is eiiective to place the valve sleeve element I III of the distributing valve I02 in the position shown in Figure 11. However, it the chamber I22 should be connected to atmosphere. the pressure therein will become superior to the pressure in the chamber I 29, and, consequently. the diaphragm will be moved quickly to the left to the position shown in Figure 15. This will cause the valve element I22 to disconnect the chamber I21 from atmosphere and connect it with the source of sub-atmospheric pressure which is effective in the chamber I29. Consequently the pressures acting on the opposite sides of the distributing valve diaphragm I22 will be so unbalanced that this diaphragm will be moved against the diaphragm spring H2 to the position shown in Figure 12, thereby placing the I2 sleeve I III in its second position, as shown in Figure 12.

The controlling of the connection of the chamber I22 to atmosphere is accomplished by predetermined positions of an operator-operatable member, or more specifically the accelerator pedal effective prior to accelerating the engine above idling speed. As shown in Figure 21, the flexible pipe I24 is connected to a two part stem I22 forming a connection between the accelerator pedal I22 in the operator's compartment and the bell crank lever I21 which is pivoted to the side of the engine and is connected by a rod I22 with the usual butterfly valve of the carburetor controlling the intake or fuel to the engine. The stem I22 has a small passage I22 with which the pipe I24 communicates. This passage leads into a semi-spherical knob or control element I42 formed on the end of the stem, and from which a plurality of small angular passages I4I lead to the surface of the knob. Cooperating with the spherical surface oi the knob is a cup-shaped rubber element I42 enclosed in a cup-shaped casing I42 secured to the accelerator pedal I22. A spring I44 is interposed between the knob end of the stem and the accelerator pedal to thus normally so bias the cup-shaped rubber member I42 and the knob that the spherical surfaces thereoi' will be engaged and the small passages "I closed off from atmosphere. These passages, however, will be opened 11' the accelerator pedal I22 is depressed only slightly, that is, suiliciently to compress the spring I44 to cause a relative movement between the accelerator pedal and the stem. When the passages I are opened, the chamber I22 will be placed in communication with atmosphere, and consequently the selector valve will be so operated that the valve element I22 will assume the position shown in Figure 15, as already noted. The spring I44 is oi such strength that it will be compressed to accommodate separation 01' the knob and the cup-shaped member I42 without any movement of the bell crank lever I21 and its connection to the carburetor. In order that a suflicient resistance may be given to the movement of the accelerator mechanism connected to the carburetor, a spring I 42 stronger than spring I44 is shown employed in association with the bell crank lever I21. The slight depressing movement of the accelerator pedal from its fully released engine idling position as shown in Figure 1, to control the valve I4III42 is the transmission controlling range of movement of said pedal, as will be apparent from the structure shown and described, because this movement occurs prior to accelerating the engine above idling speed. The valve will be closed; 1. e.. the knob I40 seated on element I 42, when the pedal is in its normally released engine idling position as best shown in Figure 21. The valve will be open (knob unseated) to cause a preselected speed change to occur when the pedal is depressed slightly toward engine accelerating range of movement as best shown in Figure 22. Thus the control or the valve is substantially between the fully released engine idling position of the accelerator pedal and the position wherein engine speed initially increases above idling speed.

As shown in Figure 1, the pipe II2, through which sub-atmospheric pressure enters the housing I22 and the power cylinder, leads to a shutoff or limiting valve I42 mounted on top of the cover for the gear housing. Leading from this shut-oil valve is another pipe I41 which is connected to a second shut-off valve I42 mounted on 13 the side of the engine and arranged to be controlled by the clutch pedal 5. From this shut-oil valve I 45, a pipe I45 leads to the intake manifold I55 of the intemal-combustion engine.

The first valve 145 is primarily controlled by the operating characteristics of the change-speed drive mechanism 5, while the second valve I45 is primarily controlled by the operator through the medium of the clutch controlling pedal 5. 01' course, the control of the transmission is personal with the operator, and the valve I45 is in this sense a personally-operable control means inasmuch as it can be overruled by actuation of the gear-shift lever 52.

The shut-oil valve I45, shown in detail in Figures 3, 8 and 16, is arranged to be controlled by the rotation of the sleeve 55. The valve comprises a casing member II secured to the top wall of the gear housing cover 33. The pipe H9 is connected to one side of this housing, and the pipe I41 to the opposite side of the housing. The housing is provided with a bore I52 in which is a slidable valve element I53 having an annular groove I54 and an L-shaped passage I55 above the groove. The upper end of the passage communicates with atmosphere through a passage I55 at the end of the bore. The lower end of the valve stem projects through the wall of the cover plate and carries a small roller I51. This roller cooperates with the sleeve 55, which is provided with a central depression I58 (neutral), and depressions I55 and I55 on each side thereof.

The depression I55 is arranged to receive the roller when the shaft is in the neutral position, that is, the position corresponding to the gear-shift lever pointer indicating N. This condition is illustrated in Figure 8, and when such prevails the valve stem will be biased by its spring I5I to the position indicated in Figure 3 wherein the L-shaped passage will so cooperate with the pipe II5 as to place this pipe in communication with atmosphere. This is the shut-oil position of the valve, that is, it now prevents communication between the pipes I41 and H9 and places the pipe II! in communication with atmosphere. When the shaft 35 is rotated to positions corresponding to either the H or I positions of the gear-shifting lever pointer, the roller on the end of the stem will ride up onto the normal surface of the sleeve 55 at I55 and I55, respectively, and thus move the valve stem upwardly so as to bring the annular groove I54 in registry with the pipes I41 and H5 to establish communication therebetween. This condition is shown in Figure 16, and is the open position of the shut-off valve. If the gear-shift lever should be moved to positions wherein the pointer is at the R or L positions; that is, to establish low or reverse speed ratios, the valve stem will again assume the shut-off position shown in Figure 3 wherein groove I54 is out of registry with pipes I41I 15, since the roller on the end of the stem will then drop into the depressions I55 or I50. Thus it is seen that the valve will always be in the shut-off position except when the gear-shift lever is set in either high or intermediate drive position. It will also be noted that the arrangement for operating the valve stem will not interfere with the reciprocation of the sleeve 55 and 55. The sleeves can only be reciprocated by operation of the shiftmotor 55, and this motor 95 can only be operated when the shut-off valve I is open. During the open condition of the shut-off valve, the roller will be riding on the surface of the sleeve 55, and thus the sleeve will be free to 14 slide axially beneath the roller of the valve stem. But in the shut-oil position of the valve, the stem I53 not only disables the power cylinder 55 but also mechanically locks the sleeves 55 and 55 against accidental axial movement from their central positions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, due to the side of the roller I51 selectively engaging the straight sides of the end walls of the depressions I55, I55 and I55.

The clutch pedal operated shut-0E valve I45 is of special construction and is illustrated in detail in Figures 1'1 to 20. The valve mechanism comprises a body I52 bolted to the engine, and this body has a cylindrical bore I55 into which is mounted a rotatable valve element I54. Cooperating with the valve body is a cover I55 which has rotatably mounted therein a cylindrical actuating disc I56 provided with a stub shaft I51 extending to the exterior of the cover. This shaft on its outer end carries an arm I55 which is connected by the rod I55 to the arm III of the clutch pedal.

The valve body has a port I" to which the pipe I41 is connected and a diametrically positioned port I" to which the pipe I45 is connected. The valve element I54 is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed C-shaped slots I12 interconnected by a cross passage I12 which establish communication between the pipes I45 and I41 when the valve element is in its open position as shown in Figure 18. The valve is closed and communication between the pipes I45 and I41 is cut off when the valve element is so positioned that the portions of the valve element between the ends of the C-shaped slots are disposed over the ports I15 and I1 I A torsional spring I15 is connected at one end to the valve element, and at the other end to the valve body, and normally biases the valve element toward closed position, which position is shown in Figures 1'1 and 19.

The valve element on its end adjacent the disc I55 has secured thereto a disc I14, a portion of the periphery of which is provided with ratchet teeth I15. This disc has a curved slot I15 which receives a pin I11 carried by the actuating disc or member I55. The pin and slot arrangement accommodates relative movement between the actuating member and the valve element, which functions so that the valve can be held open while the clutch pedal is partially released to initially reengage the clutch. Carried by the body and the cover of the valve is a slidable dog I15 which has on its end a V-shaped portion I15 and a rounded portion I55. The V-shaped portion is arranged to cooperate with the ratchet teeth I15 on the disc I14 and prevent rotation of the valve element I54 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 17) under certain conditions. The rounded end I50 is arranged to cooperate with a cam surface IBI on the actuating disc I 55.

When the clutch pedal is in the clutch engaged position, that is, when it is released, the shutoff valve I48 will be conditioned as shown in Figures 17 and 19. Under such conditions, the port I41 will be closed oif by the valve element I54. The pin I11 will be against the upper end of the slot I15 due to the action of the tor sional spring I13, the pin thus acting as a stop to hold the valve element in the shut-oil position. The shut-off valve will be opened by depressing the clutch pedal, and this open condition is shown in Figure 18. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the actuating disc I55 will be given a clockwise rotation, as viewed in Figures l7 and 18. Since the pin I11 is at the upper end or the slot I16, rotation of the disc I66 will also rotate the valve element I84, and, when the clutch pedal reaches its fully depressed position beyond the point where it disengages the clutch, the "valve will be fully open as shown in Figure 18, it being noted that the c-shaped slots I'll! have now been placed in communication with the ports Ill! and I'll to connect these ports. During the rotation of the valve element to open position, the V-shaped end of the dog I18 ratchets over the teeth I15 and then engages in a tooth to prevent clockwise movement of the valve element. The dog ls released to assume an engaged position with the teeth when the valve is opened since the cam surface IlI is placed opposite the rounded end Illl of the dog, thus freeing the dog to move inwardly under the action of its spring I82. The dog, however, does not have any effect in preventing the return movement of the clutch pedal to control reengagement oi the clutch, due to the fact that the pin IIl can move backward in the slot I'll. When the clutch pedal 8 is released substantially to a position wherein the clutch elements are beginning to contact during the reengaging operation, the disc I86 will assume such a position that the cam surface I8I will move the dog Ill backwardly and release it from the teeth. This will release the valve element I64, and, since it is acted on by the torsional spring I13, it will then snap to its closed position. with the specially constructed shut-oil valve I48 just described, it is seen that the valve, whether fully or partially opened, depending on the extent of clutch pedal movement beyond clutch disengaged condition, will not move toward closed position until the clutch pedal is released to a position wherein the clutch elements begin to reengage, at which time the valve will then become closed automatically with a snap-action independently of clutch pedal movement. This provides for the operator to open the valve and then maintain it open even though he should release the clutch pedal to a position wherein the clutch elements are about to be engaged. II the clutch pedal were directly connected to the valve element I64, so that the valve element moved at all times directly with the clutch pedal during any movement thereof, it would not be possible to close the valve quickly from a fully opened position to a fully closed position as is possible with the arrangement just described. The valve arrangement described is also very helpful to the vehicle operator as it will remain open to maintain the power-shifting mechanism energized to complete its function and thus avoid the possibility of an incompleted shifting operation usually resulting from too quick a closing oi the clutch pedal controlled valve when directly connected to said pedal. This may be due to the operator desiring to release the clutch pedal to a more comfortable position after a full depressing movement thereof as required to fully open the valve so that a shift can occur.

Operation In a vehicle having its change-speed gearing controlled by the previously described control mechanism, it will be seen that when the gearshift lever is in a position wherein the pointer is opposite N, the gearing will be in neutral condition and the parts the control mechanism will be as indicated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 8, l1, 14, 1'7, 19 and 21. If the vehicle is stopped with the engine not running and the clutch pedal in 76 clutch engaged position, the shut-oil valve I40 will be closed in addition to the shut-oi! valve I46. In starting the engine, the clutch will be disengaged by a forward or depressing movement of the clutch pedal. This will open the shut-oil. valve I48, but, since the shut-oil valve I46 is still in closed position, there will be no communication between the source oi suction and the motor-shifter 98. When the gearing is in neutral condition, it is also to be noted that outward movement of the selector sleeves 86-86 for the second and high gear ratios is mechanically prevented by the roller ii! of the valve I45 being in the depression I". The same will be true when the gearing is in low or reverse gear ratio, as then the roller will be in the depressions I59 or IBII. Thus a positive interlock is established, preventing operation of second (intermediate) and high speed drives when they are not desired.

If it should be desired to obtain low or reverse speed drive, this can be accomplished by merely depressing the clutch pedal and then setting the gear-shaft lever in the L or R positions, depending upon which gear ratio is desired. The result will be such a manual rotation of the shaft 36 that the desired gear ratio will be established by a proper movement of the gear shitting iork I2 by the S-cam slot in a manner already apparent. In Figure 6, the shifting fork I2 is shown in the reverse gear ratio position. The dashed lines indicate the low speed position. During this manual establishment of the low or reverse speed, there will be no operation of the servomotor or power device 95. The piston or the power device will be at the rear end of its cylinder, as shown in Figure 11. Since the accelerator pedal will be fully released during the shifting operation, the control valve III for the distributing valve I08 0! the servo-mechanism 96 will be in the position shown in Figure 14. Consequently the rear end of the shiiting-motor 98 will be connected to the pipe H9, and, regardless of the fact that during the establishing of the low or reverse speed both shut-ofl valves I48 and I4! may be open momentarily, the power-shifter will not in any way be actuated because the source of suction, when placed in communication with the power cylinder, will so act on the piston 9! that it cannot produce any movement of the piston.

It is to be noted that when the reverse speed is established, the pin 14 will enter the slot I! in the sleeve I55, and, when the low speed is established, the pin I4 will enter the slot IS in the sleeve it. Either of these conditions will lock up the sleeves in their innermost position (both being connected together by the bell crank levers) and will consequently prevent any operation of the power cylinder even though the manipulation of the accelerator pedal may result in some subatmospheric pressure momentarily entering the forward end oi the power cylinder, tending to operate the piston therein. This, however, could not happen, because whenever low or reverse speed is established the shut-oil valve I46 will be closed due to the fact that the roller I58 on the valve stem will be in either depression I59 or I60. The arrangement whereby the pin 14 mechanically locks up the operation of the power cylinder is added assurance that there will be no operation of the power cylinder. With the roller in a depression I59 or "ill, further mechanical locking is present.

If it is desired to establish intermediate or second speed ratio, this is accomplished by the accuser operation of the fluid-pressure actuated motor 8|, which operation is brought about by manipulation of the accelerator pedal. In establishing intermediate speed, the gear-shift lever is first set so that the pointer is opposite the letter I. This so rotates the shaft ll and the sleeves II and 88 that the locking pin 81 will drop into the notch 9!, thus connecting the sleeve l6 and the gear shifting fork ll to the sleeve 66. Rotation of the sleeve 56 also will result in the opening of the shut-off valve I46. The conduit II! will now be placed in communication with the engine intake manifold since the clutch pedal has already been previously depressed to disengage the engine clutch, and, therefore, the shut-off valve MB placed in open position. If now the accelerator pedal is slightly depressed from its fully released engine idling position, the power cylinder 98 will be operated so that the sleeves 55 and 66 will be moved away from each other, the sleeve 86 carrying with it the gear shifting fork 3| and resulting in the intermediate speed being established. The operation of the power cylinder is brought about by the accelerator being slightly depressed and prior to speeding up of the engine, due to the fact that atmospheric pressure is admitted into the chamber I33 the selector control valve III by opening of the valve controlled directly by the accelerator pedal. Since suction is efiective in the chamber I28 at the time that atmospheric pressure is admitted to the chamber I33, the valve element I23 of the control valve will be snapped over to the position shown in Figure 15. This places atmospheric pressure in the chamber I01 and causes the distributing valve sleeve Hi5 to be moved to the position shown in Figure 12. The result will be that the forward end of the power cylinder will be placed in communication with the suction manifold, and, consequently, the piston ll will be moved to the forward end of the cylinder 01. This will operate the two bell crank levers l1 and ill, and move the sleeves 6-5 and it away from each other to bring about the establishment of the intermediate speed. The positions of the gear shifting fork 3| and the sleeves when intermediate speed is established are shown in Figure 4. If the clutch pedal is now fully released, the shut-off valve I48 will become closed, and the vehicle can be driven forwardly in the intermediate speed by merely speeding up the engine with a further depressing of the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle is in intermediate speed, it will so remain in this condition as long as the clutch pedal is not depressed and the shut-ofl valve IIB again opened. Thus, regardless of the releasing of the accelerator pedal, there will be no shifting since the power cylinder cannot be caused to be in communication with the source of subatmospheric pressure.

When the vehicle is being driven in intermediate speed, the operator may preselect high speed if he so desires. This is accomplished by merely moving the gear-shift lever 52 so that the pointer is opposite the letter H. When such is done, the shaft 36 is given such a rotation as to unlock the gear shifting fork 3i with the sleeve 86 and to condition the locking pin 81 so that it can drop into the recess 90 and lock the fork 3! to the sleeve 65 whenever the sleeves are moved to their innermost position by an operation of the .power cylinder. After making this preselection, the establishment of the high speed may be accomplished at any time by merely fully depressing the clutch pedal to thereby open the shut-oi! valve I, together with the full releasing followed by slight depressing of the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator pedal is released, the selector control valve IZI will be conditioned so that sub-atmospheric pressure can be effective on both sides of the diaphragm iii. Upon opening of the shut-oil valve I", this condition will prevail. Consequently the valve element I23 will assume the position shown in Figure 14. This will connect the chamber II! to atmosphere so that the spring II! can move the distributing valve sleeve IN to the position shown in Figure 11. The rear end of the power cylinder 98 will now be connected with the engine manifold, and the piston 88 moved to this rear end, which will result in the sleeves l5 and 86 being moved to their innermost positions, as shown in Figure 3, and the shifting fork 3i carried back to its neutral position by the boss Bl of the upright arm 8i bearing against the end of the collar 86. However, the connection between the pin 87 and the recess 9B can return the second gear to neutral position alone if a new selection is not made. When these positions are reached, the locking pin 81 will then drop into the recess 90 and connect the shifting fork 3i to the sleeve 55. With the clutch still disengaged, the accelerator pedal may now be slightly depressed, and this will immediately result in the conditioning of the selector control valve in the same manner as for second speed so that the distributing valve sleeve ")8 will assume a position for connecting the forward end of the power cylinder to the source of sub-atmospheric pressure. The piston 98 will then move the sleeves 65 and 66 outwardly, and the sleeve 65 will carry with it the shifting fork ll to establish the high speed. The position of the shifting fork 3| and the sleeves B5 and 66 when high speed is established is shown in Figure 5.

With high speed established, intermediate speed may be preselected at any time by merely moving the gear-shift lever so that the pointer is at the I position. Whenever second speed is desired, it can be established by merely fully releasing the accelerator pedal, depressing the clutch pedal, and then slightly depressing the accelerator pedal from its fully released position. It is believed to be obvious, from what has already been described, that the shift to second speed will then take place.

When the accelerator pedal is fully released and the clutch is disengaged with high or intermediate speed established, the power cylinder 96 will always be so operated as to bring the sleeves and 66 to their innermost positions. This operation neutralizes the gearing. The gearing, now neutralized, can be maintained in neutral position by merely moving the gearshift lever so that the pointer is opposite the letter N. If the gear-shifting lever is left in I or H position, the neutralized gear ratio can be reestablished by slightly depressing the accelerator pedal. It will remain neutralized, however, if the accelerator is not depressed. Return of the clutch pedal and closing of the valve I48 will result in neutral being maintained.

It the gear-shift lever should be moved to the N position before the clutch pedal is depressed and while the accelerator pedal is released, there will be a preselection of neutral. Neutralization of the gearing may be effected, since under these conditions the shut-oil valve M6 is open, due to the fact that the sleeve ill is in its outermost position while second or high speed ratio is established. Consequently the valve stem roller I51 will be riding on the surface of the sleeve Ii. Neutralization will be accomplished upon a depression of the clutch pedal and opening of the shut-off valve I48. This will now cause such operation or the power cylinder as to neutralize the gearing. Thus it is seen that, regardless whether the gear-shift lever is moved to the N position either before or after depressing the clutch pedal, neutralization will be accomplished and maintained until the lever is again moved to a speed setting.

It is to be particularly noted, in connection with the described control mechanism, that it is not necessary to depress or release the clutch pedal each time a shift between second and high is desired. As long as the clutch pedal is released and the valve II! is open, second and high speeds may be alternately obtained at will merely by slightly depressing and fully releasing the accelerator pedal. This depressing and releasing of the accelerator pedal will result in such operation of the selector control valve HI and the distributing valve I" that the piston 98 of the fluid-pressure motor 96 will be operated back and forth. Thus, by setting the gear-shift lever alternately to H and I positions, there will be alternate shifting whenever the accelerator pedal is deprwsed and released after making the speed selection by the gear-shift lever.

A neutralization of high or second gear ratio need not take place each time the accelerator pedal is released and the engine clutch is disengaged. Opening 01 the shut-off valve B does not begin to take place until the clutch is just disengaged. Consequently the power cylinder can be prevented from operating as long as this valve is not opened. Thus the operator, by moving the clutch pedal just sufliciently to disengage the clutch, can cut-ofl the transmission of power through the gearing without neutralizing the gearing, notwithstanding the fact that the accelerator pedal is fully released with the engine idling.

The selector control valve l2! for the distributing valve M8 is sensitive, and therefore acts quickly. Immediately upon slightly depressing of the accelerator pedal and the connecting of the chamber I33 with atmosphere, differential pressure, acting upon the diaphragm III, will flick" the valve from the position shown in Figure 14 to the position shown in Figure 15. As soon as this valve is flicked over, instant operation of the distributing valve sleeve Hi8 will result to bring about the proper connection of the source of sub-atmospheric pressure with one end of the power cylinder. This will all occur without change in sub-atmospheric pressure in the engine manifold as the engine has not as yet had its speed increased above idling speed.

In the foregoing description, it is seen that in this improved control valve means the operator has instant and efficient control over the establishment of the various transmission speeds of the gearing. Low and reverse gear ratios are manually established and neutralized in the usual manner of gear-shift lever and clutch pedal manipulations. Second and high gear ratios, which are employed more frequently, are poweroperated, and the establishment of these speeds is accomplished merely by an effortless minute depressing operation 01 the accelerator pedal whenever the engine clutch is disengaged. The arrangement also provides for preselection of the second and high speed drives, thus enabling the vehicle operator to anticipate the necessity for a certain gear ratio and attain it with a minimum or effort whenever the required condition prevails. All of the control mechanism is or simple construction and is easily associated with present change-speed gearing design. All the mechanism is carried by the transmission cover plate or is mounted in a readily accessible place on the exterior of the gearing housing or other part of the vehicle. Thus, to employ my improved control mechanism, it is not necessary to alter the change-speed gearing design and associated mechanism employed in driving the vehicle. A novel shut-oi! valve controlled by the clutch pedal enables full sub-atmospheric pressure to be eifeetive through the valve at all times after the valve is fully opened, regardless of a partial release of the clutch pedal from the floorboard position. The valve does not close until there is initial contact of the clutch elements during the clutch engaging movement of the clutch pedal, and when this contact takes place there will immediately follow a quick and complete closing of the valve from its fully open position independent of any further releasing movement 01' the clutch pedal.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a speed-changing control mechanism for a vehicle provided with a change-speed transmission and with a vehicular control member movable to different positions in controlling the operation of the vehicle, a fluid motor for controlling the transmission, conduit means for connecting the fluid motor to a source of pressure different from atmosphere, a shut-ofi valve means for the conduit means, means for opening the valve means when the vehicular control member is moved from one predetermined position to another predetermined position, means for maintaining the valve means in said open condition during a portion of the return movement of said vehicular control member, means for releasing said maintaining means when the control member has further return movement, and means for fully closing said valve after said maintaining means is released and independently of continued return movement of the vehicular control member to its first predetermined position.

2. In a transmission control mechanism for association with a vehicle having a clutch operating mechanism, a fluid motor for controlling the transmission, conduit means for connecting the fluid motor to a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere, a shut-oil valve for the conduit means having a movable element biased toward closed position, means for moving the element to fully open the valve means when the clutch operating mechanism is moved additionally to that movement required to disengage the clutch, means for locking said valve element in said fully open position, means providing for the clutch operating mechanism to have such independent movement of the valve element that it can be released substantially to a position wherein the clutch is initially re-engaging without moving the valve element, and means for releasing the locking means to accommodate closure of the valve element independently of continued releasing movement of the clutch operating mechanism to fully re-engage the clutch.

3. In a transmission control mechanism for a vehicle having an engine. a transmission, a clutch therebetween. and a clutch operating mechanism, a fluid motor for controlling the transmission, conduit means for connecting the fluid motor with a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere. a shut-off valve means for the conduit means. means for opening the valve means when the clutch operating mechanism is moved additionally to that required to disengage the clutch, means for maintaining said valve means in said open condition during release of the clutch operating mechanism to a position substantially wherein the clutch is initially re-engaging, and means for fully closing the valve means when the clutch operating mechanism is further released. said closing being independent of movement of the clutch operating mechanism after said closing means becomes operative.

4. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives. two shifting members, a rotatable member, means operable by a rotation of the last-named member to shift one of the shifting members, means for moving the other shifting member to different positions to establish different speed drives, means operable by the rotatable member for selecting which speed drive will be established by the moving means, said selecting means being operable by the rotatable member being in positions other than that required to shift the first shifting member, and means for preventing operation of the first shifting member when the rotatable means. is moved to operate the selecting means.

5. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives, two shifting members, a rotatable shaft, means for rotating the shaft, means for shifting one member by a rotation of the shaft to predetermined positions, two members movable toward and away from each other, means for moving said last-named members independently of the shaft rotating means, and means for selectively connecting the other of said shifting members to the said two members by a rotation of the shaft to other predetermined positions.

6. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives,

two shifting forks, a rotatable shaft, means for rotating the shaft in opposite directions, means for slidably mounting one of the forks on the shaft, means for moving the said last-namedone fork in the opposite direction by a rotation of the shaft from a predetermined position, two sleeves mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith, means for moving the sleeves on the shaft toward and away from each other, and means for selectively connecting the sleeves to the other shifting fork by a rotation of the shaft.

7. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives, two shifting members, a rotatable shaft, means for rotating the shaft, means for shifting one member by a rotation of the shaft to predetermined positions, two members movable toward and away from each other, means for moving said members independently of the shaft rotating means, means for selectively connecting the other shifting member to the said two members by a rotation of the shaft to other predetermined positions, and means for mechanically locking the two movable members from movement by their moving mean when the shaft is rotated to the iii first predetermined position for moving the first shifting member.

8. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission, a speed drive changing member, a fluid motor having a movableeiement, oppositely movable members operatively connected to be moved conjolntly in opposite directions by movement of the element, rotatable means for selectively connecting the speed drive changing member toeither of the movable members, conduit means for connecting a source of pressure different from atmosphere to said fluid motor, control valve means for the motor, a shut-off valve in the conduit means between the source and the control valve means, and means for controlling the shutoff valve by the rotatable means.

9. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having an engageable and disengageable friction clutch associated therewith, a speed drive changing member, a fluid motor having a movable element, oppositely movable members connected to be moved conjointly in opposite directions by movement of the element, rotatable means for selectively connecting the speed drive changing member to either of the movable members, conduit means for connecting a source of pressure different from atmosphere to the fluid motor, control valve means for the motor, a shutoff valve in the conduit means between the source and the control valve means, means for controlling the shut-off valve by the rotatable means, a second shut-oil valve in the conduit means, and means for opening the second shut-oi! valve means when the friction clutch is disengaged.

10. Control means for the changeable speed transmission of an automobile or the like having a manually-operable fuel controlling element operable toward and from an extreme position for changing the speed of operation of the automobile engine; comprising selecting means operable to select different changes of the transmission, power means energizable to effect the changes selected by the selecting means, energizing means for said power means, and control mechanism to control energization of the power means, including means operated by the fuel controlling element in a direction away from its extreme position to cause energization of the power means to effect said selected change.

11. Control means for the changeable speed transmission of an automobile or the like having an accelerator pedal yieldably operable to and normally urged into a fully released position wherein the engine of the automobile idles, and operable away from that position to increase the speed of the engine; comprising selector means operable to select different changes of the transmission, power means energizable to effect the changes selected by the selecting means, energizing means for said power means, and means operated only by movement of the accelerator pedal from said engine idling position in an engine accelerating direction to cause energization of the power means to effect the selected change.

12. Control means for the changeable speed transmission of an automobile or the like having an accelerator pedal yieldably operable to and normally urged into a fully released position wherein the engine of the automobile idles, and operable away from that position to increase the speed of the engine; comprising selector means operable to select different changes of the transmission, power means energizable to effect the changes selected by the selecting means, energizing means for said power means, and control means operable to a first position to prevent energlzation of the power means and operable to a second position to cause energization oithe same, said control means being connected with the accelerator pedal to be operated to its first, deenergizing position when the accelerator pedal is in released position, and to be operated to its second, energizing position when the accelerator pedal is moved from its released position in the engine-accelerating direction,

13. Control means for the changeable speed transmission of an automobile or the like havin an accelerator pedal yieldably operable to and normally urged into a fully released position wherein the engine of the automobile idles, and operable away from that position to increase the speed of the engine; comprising power means operable to effect changes of the transmission, operating means for said power means, a control device for rendering the power means operable and inoperable, the control device including a first control element connected to the accelerator pedal to move therewith, and a second control element connected to the accelerator mechanism to be moved therewith, and yieldable means normally urging the two elements apart, said yieldable means being weaker than the return spring of the accelerator pedal, whereby when the pedal is depressed the elements are brought together, but when the pedal is released the elements are separated.

14. Control means for the changeable transmission of an automobile or the like, comprising a first control movable to first and second positions, a second control movable to operable and inoperable positions, selector means movable to position to neutralize the transmission and to position to select a driving operation of the transmission; power means to effect the changes of the transmission between neutralizing and driving operations thereof; means including the first control to cause the power means to neutralize the transmission from its driving operation whenever the first control is moved to its second position; and means including the second control in second position and the first control in second position to cause the power means to operate to its driving condition.

15. Control means for the changeable transmission of an automobile or the like, comprising a first control movable to first and second positions, a second control movable to operable and inoperable positions, selector means movable to position to neutralize the transmission and to position to select a driving operation of the transmission; power means to eilect the changes of the transmission between neutralizing and driving operations thereof; means including the first control to cause the power means to neutralize the transmission from its driving operation whenever the first control is moved to its second position; and means including the second control in second position and the first control in second position to cause the power means to operate to its driving condition, the second control comprising the accelerator pedal of the automobile, and being connected therewith to operate to first position upon release of the accelerator pedal and to operate to second position upon depression of the accelerator pedal.

16. Control means for the changeable transmission of an automobile or the like, comprising a first control movable to first and second positions, a second control movable to operable and inoperable positions, selector means movable to position to neutralize the transmission and to position to select a driving operation of the transmission; power means to eflect the changes of the transmission between neutralizing and driving operations thereof; means including the first control to cause the power means to neutralize the transmission from its driving operation whenever the first control is moved to its second position; and means including the second control in second position and the first control in second position to cause the power means to operate to its driving condition, the second control comprising the accelerator pedal of the automobile, and being connected therewith to operate to first position upon release of the accelerator pedal and to operate to second position upon depression of the accelerator pedal. the first control comprising the clutch pedal of the automobile, and being connected therewith to operate to second position upon depression of the clutch pedal.

17. In a control mechanism for a vehicle change-speed transmission associated with an engine having an accelerator mechanism normally urged to a released position and movable therefrom in an engine accelerating direction, and having a free range of movement from normally released position to an engine operating condition but without changing the engine operation, a speed drive changing member, power operated means operably connected to said member to move the same, selecting means operable for preselecting a speed drive to be established by operation of the power operated means and regardless of the condition of the transmission. and control means for controlling the operation of the power means by movement of the accelerator mechanism within its free range of movement to thereby establish the preselected speed drive and to neutralize an established speed drive.

18. In a control mechanism for a vehicular drive system including an internal-combustion engine, a power train having selective speed drives and coupling means for transmitting torque between said engine and said selective drives; the improvements which comprise a speed-changing member for actuating said power train to render active selective drives thereof, power-operated means operatively connected to said member for actuating the same, means operable to preselect a speed drive to be rendered active upon operation of said power-operated means, an accelerator pedal having a range of movement for engine acceleration and a separate range of movement, and control means for said power-operated means, said control means being responsive to movement of said accelerator pedal in said separate range toward said engine acceleration range of movement to eflect operation of said poweroperated means to render active a preselected speed drive.

19. In a control mechanism for a vehicle change-speed transmission receiving torque from an engine having an accelerator pedal depressible and elevatable within a range of free movement outside the range of pedal movement for operating the engine, a transmission speed-changing member, actuable means for interrupting torque reception by said transmission, power-operated means operably connected to said member to move the same, means operable for preselecting a speed drive to be established by operation of said power-operated means and irrespective of the condition of the transmission, and control means for controlling the operation of the power means by movement oi the accelerator pedal so that the pre elected speed drive will be established when the pedal is depressed within its range of free movement and an established speed drive will be neutralized when the element is elevated within its free range of movement and said torque-interrupting means is actuated.

20. In a vehicular drive system including a torque-producing engine having an accelerator mechanism provided with a movable pedal having a range of free movement into and out of a fully released position without changing the engine operation, a torque-transmitting coupling, and a change-speed gearing receiving engine torque through said coupling, means for receiving torque-load on said transmission, an actuatable speed drive changing member movable to one position for establishing a speed drive in said transmission and to another position for neutralizing a speed drive oi said transmission, a fluid motor having a movable element, means operably connecting said motor element to actuate the speed drive changing member. conduit means for connecting the fluid motor with a source or fluid pressure diflerent from atmosphere, a control valve means for the fluid motor, and means-controlled by the accelerator pedal when moved from its fully released position within its range of free movement for causing the fluid motor to establish a speed drive in the transmission and when moved to its fully released position but within its range of free movement for causing the fluid motor to neutralize an established speed drive upon the relief of torque-load on said transmission.

21. In a control mechanism for association with an engine accelerator mechanism having a pedal freely movable from a normally inoperative position toward and from an engine operating range and without changing the engine operation, and with a change-speed transmission having a speed drive controlling element movable in one direction to establish one speed drive in the transmission and movable in an opposite direction to establish another speed drive therein, members movable conjointly toward and away from each other, means for selectively connecting the controlling element to either of the movable members. power means for moving said movable members to cause the element to establish a particular speed drive preselected by the selective connecting means, and control means for said power means comprising means controlled by movement or the accelerator mechanism pedal within its range of free movement.

22. In a control mechanism for association with an engine accelerator mechanism having a pedal freely movable from a normally operative position toward and from an engine operating range and without changing the engine operation and with a change-speed transmission having a speed drive controlling element movable in one direction to establish one speed drive in the transmission and movable in an opposite direction to establish another speed drive therein, members movable conjointly toward and away from each other, means for selectively connecting the controlling element to the movable members. a fluid motor having its element operatively connected ior moving said movable members to cause the element to establish a particular speed drive predetermined by the selective connecting means, conduit means tor connecting the motor to a. source of fluid pressure diflerent from atmos- 26 comprising valve means controlled by movement of the accelerator pedal within its range or free movement.

23. In a control mechanism for a vehicular change-speed transmission associated with an engine having an accelerator mechanism provided with a pedal having a range of tree movement without changing the engine operation, two speed drive changing members, flrst means operable tor moving one of the said speed changing members to establish a speed drive, separate power-operated means connected to move the other speed drive changing member, means for preselecting either of two speed drives to be established by operation or the power-operated means and comprising means operable by the same first means employed to establish the flrstnamed speed drive, and means for controlling the operation oi the power means by the moving of the pedal 01' the accelerator mechanism within its range of free movement to thereby establish the preselected speed drive.

24. In a control mechanism for a vehicle change-speed transmission associated with an engine having an accelerator mechanism provided with a depressible pedal having a range of free movement without changing the engine operation and with a torque-transmitting clutch interposed between said engine and said transmission, and a clutch operating mechanism for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a speed drive changing member movable to a first position for establishing a speed drive and to another position for neutralizing a speed drive, a fluid motor having a movable element, means operably connecting the motor element to the speed drive changing member to move the same, conduit means for connecting the fluid motor with a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere, control valve means for the fluid motor, means controlled by the accelerator mechanism when said pedal is depressed within its range of free movement for causing the fluid motor to establish a speed drive and when elevated within its range of free movement for causing the fluid motor to neutralize an established speed drive, and shut-oil valve means associated with the conduit means for preventing operation of the motor when the clutch is engaged by its operation mechanism.

25. In a control mechanism for association with an engine accelerator mechanism having a pedal freely movable from a released position prior to changing the engine operation and with a change-speed transmission having a speed drive controlling element, members movable toward and away from each other, means for selectively connecting the controlling element to the movable members, manual means for operating the selective connecting means, power means for moving said movable members to cause the element to selectively establish speed drives of said transmission, control means for said power means comprising means controlled by movement or the accelerator mechanism pedal within its range of free movement, and means for disabling the power means by the manual means.

26. In a control mechanism for association with a torque-producing engine provided with an accelerator mechanism having a pedal freely movable from a released position through a limited distance prior to changing the engine operation, with a change-speed transmission having a speed drive controlling element and phere, and control means for said power means with a friction clutch, a fluid motor having a movable element, manual means operatively connecting the motor element to move the speed drive controlling element to establish and neutralize a speed drive, conduit means for connecting the fluid motor with a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere, a control valve, means for operatin the control valve including means controlled by free movement of the accelerator mechanism pedal within said limited distance. and shutoff valve means for disablin the motor when said friction clutch is engaged.

27. In combination with a vehicle changespeed transmission associated with an engine having an accelerator mechanism provided with a movable and normally controlled pedal having a normally released position. a member to be shifted, means operated by shift of the member to operate the transmission to produce a speed change therein, power means having a movable element connected to move the member, means for controlling the power means comprising a movable fluid pressure-responsive control member, the opposing surfaces of which are subject to fluid pressure from a source diflerent from atmosphere, and means operable by movement of the accelerator mechanism pedal when moved from released position toward an engine operating position for changin the pressure effective on one surface of said fluid pressure-responsive control member so as to produce a differential pressure thereon for actuating the member and thereby control operation of the power means.

28. In combination with a change-speed transmission having a member to be shifted to produce a speed change in the transmission, a fluid motor having a movable element connected to move the member, conduit means for connecting a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere to the motor, valve means for controlling actuation of said motor, and means for controlling the valve means by fluid pressure from the source comprising a shiftable control member actuatable in response to differential fluid pressure exerted on opposing sides thereof, means for venting pressure from the source to opposed surfaces of said shiftable member, means operable to change the differential pressure effective on said opposing surfaces of said member for moving the member and thereby cause operation of the valve means to regulate operability of the motor by operation of the valve means, and additional control means operable to operate and to prevent operation of the fluid motor.

29. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a member to be shifted, a fluid motor having a movable element operably connected to said member to move the same, conduit means for connecting a source of fluid pressure different from atmosphere to the motor, valve means in said conduit means having a movable element for controlling the operation of said motor, means comprising actuatable control valve means for controlling movement of the element of said first valve means, a pressureresponsive member for actuating said control valve means, said pressure-responsive member having opposed surfaces each subject to pressure from the source, and means operable at will for varying the pressure effective on one surface of said pressure-responsive member without a change in the pressure of the source so as to produce a differential pressure effective on said pressure-reponsive member to thereby actuate said control valve means.

30. In a control mechanism for a changespeed transmission, two shifting members, a shiftlever movable in a single plane, means for manually moving a first of said shifting members by moving the shift-lever to and from a predetermined position in said plane, power means for shifting the other of said shifting members, and means for connecting and disconnecting the power means and said other shifting member by a movement of the shift lever to and from a second predetermined position in said plane, said first-named shifting member being stationary when the shift-lever is moved to the second predetermined position.

31. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives. a rotatable member, means for rotating the member, means operable b a predetermined rotation of the member for establishing certain of the speed drives, means operable by other predetermined rotations of the member for selectinr either of two of said speed drives, and means for establishing a selected one of said two speed drives independently of rotation of the rotatable member.

32. In a control mechanism for a change-speei transmission having a plurality of speed drive. a rotatable member, means for rotating the member, means operable by a predetermined rotation of the member for establishing a certain of said speed drives, means operable by other predetermined rotations of the member for selecting either of two others of said speed drives, means for establishing the selected speed drive independently of rotation of the rotatable member. and locking means for preventing the establishment of the said certain of the speed drives when the rotatable member selects one of the said others of said speed drives and for preventing the establishment of either of said others of said two speed drives when the said certain speed drive is established by the rotatable member.

33. In a control mechanism for a change-speed transmission having a plurality of speed drives, two shifting members, a rotatable member, means operable by a rotation of the member toshift one of the shifting members, additional means for moving the other shifting member to different positions to establish different speed drives, said additional means being movable selectively with respect to the different speed drives, and means operable by the rotatable member for selecting which speed drive will be established by the moving means.

34. In combination, an engine having an accelerator pedal movable toward and from an extreme position to effect changes in engine speed. a variable-speed drive transmission connected to the engine and having an output shaft, and means to provide two different speed drives between the engine and the transmission output shaft; power means energizable to operate either drive means; energizing means for said power means; means to predetermine which speed drive can be established by the power means when operated; and control mechanism to control energization of the power means, including means operated by movement of the accelerator pedal from its extreme position to cause energization of the power means to establish the predetermined speed drive.

GLENN T. RANDOL.

(References on following page) 

